Southport Visiter

Beware of cold-call con artists

- BY JAMIE LOPEZ jamie.lopez@trinitymir­ror.com @jamie_lopez1

PEOPLE in Southport are being warned to be vigilant after two potential cold-calling cons.

The first incident reported to police involved callers pretending to be from the RSPCA, asking for donations or to enter people’s homes to weigh their pets.

One resident also warned of a middle-aged man asking to buy jewellery door-to-door.

Merseyside police are advising residents to be wary. The force’s crime alert co-ordinator, Margaret Jepson, said: “Two unusual incidents have taken place in Southport.

“In the first one, callers purporting to be from the RSPCA called at houses asking householde­rs if they could enter their property to weigh their pets.

“A lady reported a welldresse­d man, between 40-50, of slight build with greyish hair, called and asked if she had received leaflets around Christmas about the new jewellery business that was being set up.

“He asked her if she had any old gold jewellery to sell and showed her an envelope with bits of jewellery inside.

“He also showed her a wad of notes and said he would pay cash. Many people who call at the door are genuine, however, unfortunat­ely some are not. Residents are advised to take every precaution necessary.”

If you believe a coldcaller to be suspicious, you can report them to to Merseyside police by calling 101.

 ??  ?? Even the ID shown by fraudsters on the doorstep could be fake
Even the ID shown by fraudsters on the doorstep could be fake

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